Date for Tesco opening in Bath

One of the most controversial stores in Bath will finally open for business next week.

Local people campaigned in vain against plans for a Tesco Express shop in Bathwick Hill and they were twice refused by council planners.

But after being approved by a Government planning inspector as long ago as July last year, it will open on Monday.

The opening has been delayed by worries over road safety around the store, which is in a former car showroom.

The firm had to wait for a loading bay to be created outside the store, which involved a council traffic regulation order.

It is one of two Tesco Express outlets opening in the city in the next few days, with one at Englishcombe Lane in Kingsway due to open on Thursday.

Both stores open for the first time at 8am, with the official launches happening later on at 10.30am and being accompanied by donations to local charities.

The Bathwick store staff will be making a £500 donation to the city's Peggy Dodd day care centre, which will be sending a representative to open the shop.

Shoppers will also be entertained by a performance by members of the Golden-Oldies singing intiative, who will be singing outside the store from 10am.

Store manager Brendan Tucker said: "We are delighted to be able to support the Peggy Dodd Centre as they provide such a valuable service locally. We are really glad that they are coming down to open the store and join in the celebrations with us. We're also really looking forward to the Goldies singing, it will bring a lovely fun edge to the day."

Tesco is one of the sponsors of the singing groups founded by Grenville Jones.

Its store had originally been due to open in February.

Mr Tucker added: "Although this store has been delayed significantly, we are delighted to be opening a store in Bathwick Hill and we hope that Tesco will become a key part of the local community."

The store at Englishcombe Lane is making a £500 donation to Beaumonds, a nearby respite home for parents of children with learning difficulties.

The retail giant has been given a warmer welcome in that part of Bath, and local councillors Dine Romero and Paul Crossley will be attending the opening to help charity representatives cut the ribbon.

Cllr Romero (Lib Dem, Southdown) said: "We are delighted with the opening of this new store. Several years ago Kingsway had five household needs shops. Over time these have all gone and so this new Tesco Express will be a much-needed boost for the local community and will enable local people to shop locally."

Tesco already runs Express stores in Odd Down and Peasedown St John, and is also interested in opening another at the old Courthouse petrol station site in Upper Bristol Road.

It has also been linked to the old Bath Press site in Lower Bristol Road, which has been bought by an investment firm whith which it has worked in the past.

Opposition to the Bathwick store centred on fears that it would drive existing shops out of business.